Simon Matson says ‘complicated fat Arab’ slur regrettable but not discriminatory: Gallagher v Ardonagh
Gallagher UK CEO Simon Matson yesterday gave evidence in the dispute between Gallagher and Ardonagh and others, in which Gallagher alleges its staff were unlawfully poached.
During the proceedings Matson faced a heavy line of questioning over the senior culture at the broker, by the barrister for Bishopsgate, David Craig QC.
Matson expressed regret over referring to defendant Nawaf Hasan as a “complicated fat Arab” during a 5 July 2017 Whatsapp exchange with Alesco chief operating officer, Gary Lashmar. At the time, Matson was CEO of Alesco.
To Matson’s message, Lashmar responded: “And a very greedy one”
Matson added he would like to “lose all of him [Hasan] but
Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.
To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@insuranceage.co.uk or view our subscription options here: https://subscriptions.insuranceage.co.uk/subscribe
You are currently unable to print this content. Please contact info@insuranceage.co.uk to find out more.
You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@insuranceage.co.uk to find out more.
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (point 2.4), printing is limited to a single copy.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@insuranceage.co.uk
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
You may share this content using our article tools. As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (clause 2.4), an Authorised User may only make one copy of the materials for their own personal use. You must also comply with the restrictions in clause 2.5.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@insuranceage.co.uk
More on Broker
End of Year Review 2025: Axa Retail’s Matt Field
Matt Field, intermediary director at Axa Retail, hails the insurer’s domestic violence proposition; keeps a keen eye on its NPS; and predicts new entrants to shake up the retail personal lines market, with a particular focus on data and technology.
MBP invests in cyber broker taking deal count to four in recent months
Peter Cullum-backed Minority Broker Partnerships has invested in London-based specialist cyber and technology insurance broker and digital platform, Cyber Cover.
British Model Flying Association flies high with Aon’s Sports Insure
Aon’s specialist offering Sports Insure has been appointed by the British Model Flying Association to provide its approximately 800 affiliated clubs and youth groups with risk management and insurance solutions.
North West broker hits £20m GWP
Broadway Insurance Partners has posted £20m gross written premiums in 2025, up 66% from last year, as it revealed plans to grow staff numbers and expand the firm’s infrastructure outside the North West.
Interview: Tigi Singhateh and Adrian Best, Invicta Insurance Services
Since coming on board in 2022, Invicta Insurance Services’ leaders have doubled the size of the business, despite having to deal with a fraudster. With the now ex-employee jailed and the case firmly behind them, they are targeting doubling again.
End of Year Review 2025: UKGI’s Jill Hambley
Jill Hambley, MD of the consultancy division at UKGI reflects on the shake-up at the FCA, the potential non-financial misconduct debacle at Lloyd’s, and shows an aptitude for using Gen Z terms.
Gallagher boss Rea to replace Aon’s Kielty as Biba deputy chair
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has announced that Michael Rea, Gallagher’s UK CEO, will be the association’s next deputy chair.
End of Year Review 2025: Bspoke’s Craig Morgan
Craig Morgan, managing director of Bspoke Sports & Leisure, echoes the concerns of others over the speed the market has softened; hails the work of Ajay Mistry in championing transparency and diversity; and shares a giant darts nickname.